13 Methods to Blend Colored Pencils

I use 13 methods to blend colored pencils when I color a picture. Which method is best? They are all effective, and everyone has their favorite. I recommend practicing on scratch paper or less favorite pictures to improve your technique.

13 Methods of Blending Colored Pencils

The Paper

The paper I am using is from the Colorist Palette Reference Book by Ligia Ortega. It is “normal” adult coloring book paper – a bit thin and not much tooth. If you are using toothier paper, your results will vary a little.

The Pencils

I choose Arteza Professional Colored Pencils for this demonstration. These techniques will work with any brand of pencil. Read my colored pencil comparison post to find out how four popular colored pencil brands compare.

Blending and Layering Tools and Supplies

Here are the primary tools that I use for my 13 blending methods. For your convenience, I’ve provided Amazon affiliate links to the products that I will discuss.

Click here to find out which coloring supplies are my favorite.

Tools for Blending Colored Pencils

Blending Technique

I use the same coloring technique regardless of the blending method I plan to use.

1. Apply several layers of color with a light touch. Too much color can cause wax bloom, and pressing too hard can burnish the paper, making it impossible to add more color or blend effectively.

2. Keeping your pencil sharp helps fill in the little dips and valleys (the tooth) in your paper, resulting in better coverage.

3. Overlap the colors to adjust the subtlety of the color change.

4. After applying at least 6 or 7 light layers, start blending. There needs to be enough color applied for the blending medium to work.

5. Apply more layers of color if needed and blend again if needed.

Color Little Circles

Instead of long, heavy strokes, color in light, small circles and short lines with a sharp pencil. This will allow you to fill in the color without leaving harsh lines that are difficult to blend away. It is the best method to get thorough coverage and pigment build-up for blending. Here is a short video to show how I do it.

The 13 Methods of Blending Colored Pencils

The 13 methods of blending colored pencils can be broken down into two categories: wet blending and dry blending.

13 Methods of Blending Colored Pencils

Dry Blending

Except for the powder blender, applying dry methods for blending is just an extension of using your pencils. Use a light touch so that you don’t break down the tooth of your paper.

Use a brush to remove debris or powder build-up from your page. Using your hand can cause smears, and blowing on your paper can cause you to inhale particles.

1. Colored Pencils. The easiest method is to apply light layers of your desired colors and overlap them as needed to achieve a smooth blend. However, you can overapply the color and end up with wax bloom. If my color starts getting too thick, I use another method to finish blending. Check out this colored pencil comparison.

   
   

2. White Pencil. Surprising, isn’t it? But it works! Use a less opaque white pencil unless you want to lighten the picture. I usually use the white pencil in whichever pencil set I’m using. However, my favorite white pencil is the Derwent Drawing Chinese Pencil.

   
   

3. Prismacolor Blender Pencil. My favorite, but it can discolor lighter colors. For the best results, keep the pencil sharp and ensure the tip is clean when changing colors.

   
   

4. Derwent Blender and Burnisher Pencil Set. I don’t see much difference between the results of blending and burnishing pencils. Do you? Essentially, burnishing is a process that breaks down the tooth of the paper, allowing no more color to be added. This can be accidentally done with any pencil – especially on paper with less tooth – so be careful.

   
   

5. Creative Art Materials Caran D’ache Full Colorless Blender - Bright. I didn’t realize I was supposed to sharpen these when I first tried them. They work much better sharpened. Your regular pencil sharpener will work fine. Also, be careful not to drop them. They are very brittle.

   
   

6. Powder Blender. Not my favorite. I’ve applied it with disposable eyeshadow sponges and a foam-covered pan pastel knife. It works okay, but leaves a very fine dust residue. If you’ve used this method, please let me know how you applied it and what your results were.

   
   

7. An Eraser – any eraser will do, but my favorite is the Faber-Castell Triangular Grip 2001 Eraser. Lightly remove color a layer at a time, being very careful not to damage the paper. It’s also a great way to add highlights.

   
   

An Example of Dry Blending

Blending with a Blending Pencil

Wet Blending

Using wet methods of blending can be tricky. Using too much product can give a mottled or faded look, which can be quite pretty but not necessarily what you want.

To restore a more vibrant, consistent color after using a wet blending method, apply one or two additional light layers over the existing color. Experiment to determine how the color and blending change when applying more color in a wet versus dry state.

Another problem is that you can accidentally drag color into areas you didn’t want it. Look at the Odorless Turpenoid and Petroleum Jelly sections below. Notice how the darker color is smudged into the lighter color? A great effect, if you want it. Avoid this by keeping your blending tool clean and being aware of the direction of your blending.

Blending a Darker Color into a Lighter Color

Another challenge of wet blending techniques is using too much, which can discolor the paper or cause it to bleed through. Keep in mind that you can always use more, but it’s much harder to fix your picture if you used too much.

Caution: If you like to leave pictures in their books, make sure to put a plain piece of paper between the page you are coloring and the next picture. The “wet” methods of blending can bleed through.

Always let the wet blended area dry before deciding if you like the look. Usually, they look better when they have dried.

Wet Blending Products Used in This Example

Moisturizing

1. Petroleum Jelly – Vaseline

2. Baby Oil

3. Argon Oil (Also great on dry hair.)

I’ve also heard of people using canola or olive oil. Any moisturizing or oil product should work similarly.

Chemical

Using these types of solvents can be dangerous to your health. Always use a small amount in a well-ventilated area and keep the container sealed when not in use.

1. Speedball Art Products Finesse Colored Pencil Blending Marker

2. Odorless Turpenoid

3. Odorless Mineral Spirits – Gamsol

4. Rubbing (Isopropyl) Alcohol

Wet Blender Application

Except for the blending marker, wet blending methods need a tool to apply it to the picture. You can use a Q-Tip or Eye Tees, but I prefer stumps or tortillons.

To avoid unwanted color transfer, use a paper towel or rag to wipe off your stump or tortillon when changing colors. The tip of a blending marker also needs to be cleaned. Additionally, you will need a sandpaper pencil sharpener or pumice stone to maintain a pointed end on the stump or tortillon.

Here is an example of how to apply Gamsol or any other wet blending method to your project. Notice that I keep checking the tip and turning or cleaning it as needed. I also re-wet the tip as needed.

Gamsol Application with a Stump

Click here for a full version of this coloring and blending with Gamsol.

Wet Blenders Storage

Sometimes the wet blenders come in large containers, which can be unwieldy. I place a cotton ball in a glass container with a secure lid and add just enough solvent to dampen the cotton ball. It allows you to control the amount of product on your stump, which is harder to spill.

Storing Gamsol

What Do I Use When Blending?

I prefer the dry methods. Typically, I will layer the colors. However, if I’m not satisfied with the outcome, I usually reach for my Prismacolor Bender Pencil, a white pencil, or a Creative Art Materials Caran d’Ache Full Colorless Blender.

I often alternate between one or more blending methods to achieve the desired look, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

I recommend that you practice with whichever method appeals to you. Ultimately, they all yield similar results. Remember, it’s in the technique, not the product.

Those are my 13 methods for blending colored pencils. What is your favorite method of blending colored pencils? Do you use a different method? Do you use one of these products differently? Tell me in the comments.

Want some more tips on blending? Visit my blog on How to Color Beautiful Faces.

Deirdre Gamill-Hock is a lifestyle/wellness coach and freelance writer/editor who writes engaging content for blogs and small businesses. Contact her at deirdre@deirdrehock.com or click here.